Expectations are higher than ever at Iowa State, the only Big 12 Conference North division team besides Nebraska to go to a bowl in five of the last six years. A North crown is unlikely in the fall, but junior Bret Meyer is one of just two North quarterbacks to start every game a year ago and will give them a shot. Next up: IOWA STATE.

BRIEFLY: Meyer primed to shine7-5, 4-4 in the Big 12 in 2005How's this for hype? The theme for Iowa State officials is "Pack the Jack" and as of May 15 a school-record 27,711 season tickets had been purchased for 2006.

Dan McCarney is the longest tenured coach in the Big 12 and has seen a lot, but Meyer's competitiveness is the best he's seen from anybody in the program not named Seneca Wallace. The offense is loaded and Meyer looks primed to shine.

"Bret leads that passion, work ethic and attitude about how good we need to try to get to be as we prepare for this season," McCarney said.